Pediatricians group says evidence lacks to support gender sugeries, hormones for trans youth

February 9, 2024

A recently released position paper by the American College of Pediatricians is calling into question certain gender transition procedures currently being used on minors with gender dysphoria.

The review of more than a dozen studies appears to show that surgical and hormonal interventions in children do not lead to improved mental health.

The Christian Post reports that the 600 member ACP calls itself a, “national organization of pediatricians and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of children.”

The ACP has long expressed skepticism over the use of surgical and hormonal treatments for children who say that they identify as the opposite sex. The report warns that trans-identified children are, “at higher risk for psychopathology than their peers.”

ACP board member Dr. Jane Anderson told the Christian Post:

“The most important thing is to recognize that these adolescents need and benefit from mental health support. There is a high incidence of adolescents who come into this medical care who have previous history of depression or anxiety or autism or other medical or psychological concerns, and those issues have to be dealt with first.”

The report bolsters efforts, at the state level, to restrict the use of these procedures on minors. So far 23 states have enacted laws regarding gender transition procedures on minors.

Those states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

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